PICS - Cape York in the Wet Season

[FNQGU]

Just got back from a week up the Cape with my eldest daughter testing our friendship with mother nature. It's always a risk at this time of year, but after a good hard look at the weather forecasts and radars etc. we decided to go anyway. It's only water right?

Starting off in Cairns it was pouring rain, and when we hit Laura, so did the first big storm front, dumping big time on us, and flooding the Northern bridge crossing to about 2.5m over. After that things got muddy, but eventually came good.

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0007_zpsi0ajeidi.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0007_zpsi0ajeidi.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0010_zpsk4ekp1fm.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0010_zpsk4ekp1fm.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0016_zpsydze2vae.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0016_zpsydze2vae.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0020_zpsjghkyuhj.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0020_zpsjghkyuhj.jpg.html)

After staying the night at the pub (of course), we managed to cross when the water dropped to the 700mm level.

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0037_zpsnubinvmj.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0037_zpsnubinvmj.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0033_zpshgcwjgph.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0033_zpshgcwjgph.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0034_zpshva0rfx5.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0034_zpshva0rfx5.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0039_zpsecq0jgsn.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0039_zpsecq0jgsn.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0040_zpsobb83rwx.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0040_zpsobb83rwx.jpg.html)

I could post plenty of pics of flooded creeks but it would get rather monotonous, as just about every dip, causeway and floodway had water across it, which was great to see. It also meant massive sections of erosion on the PDR and some serious hazards for some that were going too fast. Most of the way from Laura to Weipa was in H4.

[FNQGU]

A couple more...

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0018_zpsghkguwof.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0018_zpsghkguwof.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0032_zpsog8xxxqu.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0032_zpsog8xxxqu.jpg.html)
A surreal sky greeted us at Coen as the storm finished on New Years Eve. Photo taken from the camping area at the back of the Pub.

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0041_zpsf3dkuglf.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0041_zpsf3dkuglf.jpg.html)
Archer River causeway - it didn't flood, but came bloody close.

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0045_zpst5jvzvmr.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0045_zpst5jvzvmr.jpg.html)
A couple at the usual stop over at Fruit Bat falls and Elliot Falls. Fantastic spot when you have it completely to yourself!

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0054_zpsk8gwdxae.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0054_zpsk8gwdxae.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0053_zpsbqkadkns.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0053_zpsbqkadkns.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0051_zpsfrdqca9h.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0051_zpsfrdqca9h.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0069_zps6tgyhxz7.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0069_zps6tgyhxz7.jpg.html)
Pandanus sunset!

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0064_zpseikrixah.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0064_zpseikrixah.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0063_zpsdbpodpn0.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0063_zpsdbpodpn0.jpg.html)
Captain Billy's was awesome as usual.

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0067_zps9r0siuh6.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0067_zps9r0siuh6.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0066_zpsrnlzmvho.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0066_zpsrnlzmvho.jpg.html)
The greenery that came out was surreal. It was so green it was like it had been painted with a highlighter.

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0056_zpsv2j2eytu.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0056_zpsv2j2eytu.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0038_zpsrfqjseya.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0038_zpsrfqjseya.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0068_zpstz7mp0aq.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0068_zpstz7mp0aq.jpg.html)

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad197/BenKDJ/Cape-0076_zpst9ixhcej.jpg (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/BenKDJ/media/Cape-0076_zpst9ixhcej.jpg.html)

[Cuppa]

Thanks for sharing. I’m envious!

[Maxhead]

Ohhh WOW! Looks like you and your daughter had a ball. I miss that place and I'm bloody jealous

[Winnie]

Whoah, there are some absolutely magical pictures there mate!

[Hodge]

Now that is some incredible. photos there.... what a beautiful place .

Tapatalked from S6

[NigeP62]

Stunning. Maybe one day...

[TPC]

Fantastic photos, can't wait to get up that way myself in 2017.

[threedogs]

Thanks for sharing brings back many fond memories from '83
Ill get back up there one day. thats for sure.

[FNQGU]

Thanks for the comments. There are the obvious risks of going at this time of year, but the experience makes it worthwhile, as long as you have a Plan B and are prepared to mothball your vehicle somewhere and find an alternative way home. It is like the renewal of all life again and the place is like chalk and cheese compared to the usual 'tourist season'. Literally every single creek had water in it and was flowing either West or East in what seems to be a random choice. We found ourselves taking guesses at which way the next creek would flow before we got to them.

For two whole days of driving, from Weipa through Batavia and up through Bramwell to the falls and then back again three days later, we did not see another vehicle, although when we stopped for an ice-cream at Bramwell, the old bloke there said he had seen two utes with dogs about half an hour before we got there.

This is the second time I have done a trip during the Monsoon season, and I am already planning on doing it again sometime in the future, mostly because I am not good with crowds and like to see the Cape as it 'should be', so to speak.

[mudnut]

Gutsy decision, but well worth it. Fantastic images, thank you for sharing them.

[Avo]

thanks for sharing the pics,awesome photo's

[BigRAWesty]

Absolutely stunning photos mate..
And easy to tell where your daughter gets her looks from......
Not you that's for sure lol.
JK mate. Very jelous here mate.
One day we'll get up there and check out the area..

[Chubba]

You so show us this stuff just to rub it into our faces, don't yah FNQGU. You bastard!!

[Cuppa]

If we can get up there at the right time of year I reckon I might have to give you a shout so’s you can ‘show us the way’. ;)

[Bacho86]

Very nice photos mate thanks for sharing.

I did the Cape York trip when I was 11 years old in an old 60 series bus, great memories! Very keen to take my own family up there in a few years time... if I can convince the wife!


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[Rossco]

Wow looks awsome. Yeah i have the same ethos - hate the crowds & tourists (even tho I'm one of them! !) but looks awesome the way you have done it. Still need to get up to the Cape but that is one thing that had put me off (tourist & development). Have to get up there one day, cheers for sharing.

[lucus30]

Nice pics I'm very jealous

Very nice photos mate thanks for sharing.

I did the Cape York trip when I was 11 years old in an old 60 series bus, great memories! Very keen to take my own family up there in a few years time... if I can convince the wife!


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I'll come ha ha

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[Bacho86]

Nice pics I'm very jealous

I'll come ha ha

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Sounds good to me!!


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[Hodge]

I just looked at these again but on a PC this time, and all I can say is WoW ! Just stunning imagery. Definitely not your regular cape york trip photos you see. This has serious color tone to it. Beautiful.
Maybe one day... Maybe..

[Cuppa]

Although my experience of the Cape is extremely limited, I’m wondering if I recognise the spot in that last pic with the car parked in the water with you standing in front of it. Is it the first water crossing you come to when heading north on the Endeavour-Battlecamp road? That’s as far as we took the bikes up that road on a ‘day trip’. I suppose there are many spots that look similar.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63707&stc=1

ps. there are some suitable entries for this months photo comp among your shots ;)

[FNQGU]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Cuppa, no that's not it. I was up on the Desailley Range for that photo, on the crossing of the McLeod River, near the platypus research area. It is a bit off the beaten track and not many know about it unless they are local to the area.

Always happy to point you in the right direction to best enjoy the cape, although the crowds have a lot to do with that enjoyment in my book. Still, it ain't 'my' cape and is there to be enjoyed by all.

Kimberley's are next for me, so I'll be asking lots of questions on that trip soon. Unfortunately I suspect I will be limited to the 'tourist season' for that trip though.

Ben

[TPC]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Cuppa, no that's not it. I was up on the Desailley Range for that photo, on the crossing of the McLeod River, near the platypus research area. It is a bit off the beaten track and not many know about it unless they are local to the area.

Always happy to point you in the right direction to best enjoy the cape, although the crowds have a lot to do with that enjoyment in my book. Still, it ain't 'my' cape and is there to be enjoyed by all.

Kimberley's are next for me, so I'll be asking lots of questions on that trip soon. Unfortunately I suspect I will be limited to the 'tourist season' for that trip though.

Ben

You will love the Kimberleys, I can give you a few tips when you are planning for that.
I read Cuppa's blog from when he went to the Kimberleys and that helped me decide on a few places to visit.
I am planning to go up the cape next year so I will be after advice from you.

[FNQGU]

Awesome, thanks. Might go and dig up that Blog and have a read too.

[hi-psi-patrol]

They are great pictures,love the top one with the dark story clouds

[FNQGU]

Just had these and a bit of a story published in 4wd Touring Australia magazine! April edition if anyone is interested.

Ben

[Cuppa]

Well done! You’re gonna be making a lot more folk jealous now & no doubt sowing the seeds for a few more dreams.

[GQtdauto]

Just had these and a bit of a story published in 4wd Touring Australia magazine! April edition if anyone is interested.

Ben
Congratulations, is that the Yanky guy Carlisle Rodgers ? Love the spots he goes to but geez he needs an interpreter or captions on the bottom of the screen for his tv show .
I've tried but can't keep up with the thesaurus.

[FNQGU]

Haha, yeah that's the one. Apparently been here 20 years but still has quite an accent.

He gets a bit philosophical for me on occasion but I like what he does and what he is about. Sometimes though I have no idea what he means, even after reading the same sentence three times and getting out the dictionary. He takes great photos though and I think he is spot on when it comes to the travel being the most important part, not the actual destination. It is bloody hard for some of us to slow down and just enjoy being out there but it is something I think we all need to put more conscious effort into doing. Once you stop thinking about how many kilometers per day you need to travel to stay on schedule, all sorts of experiences and vistas will find you.

[threedogs]

Although I went to the Cape way back in 83 I remember it like yesterday still.
After opening and closing a few gates we were on the CREB track, being green
we walked all river crossings great fun and refreshing in the heat [sept]. Came
across a guy washing his Jeep at one crossing and thought WT heck. continued on
a guy and his family in a Landy said better get over this next hill as there is rain
coming yeah right its 32 degrees, Yep he was right a sun shower stopped us half
way up this huge mountain track, 3 hrs later the track dried enough for us to get mobile
again we told the driver dont stop till you get to the top. Lucky we were fit back then as it
took us 3/4hr to walk to the top what a hill what a climb. waiting at the top a Jeep towing a trailer
came hurtling up, Just shows you how conditions changed. Across the top of the Plateau
was nothing but bulldust till we reached the Anna river. Awesome trip great memories lol

[GQtdauto]

Haha, yeah that's the one. Apparently been here 20 years but still has quite an accent.

He gets a bit philosophical for me on occasion but I like what he does and what he is about. Sometimes though I have no idea what he means, even after reading the same sentence three times and getting out the dictionary. He takes great photos though and I think he is spot on when it comes to the travel being the most important part, not the actual destination. It is bloody hard for some of us to slow down and just enjoy being out there but it is something I think we all need to put more conscious effort into doing. Once you stop thinking about how many kilometers per day you need to travel to stay on schedule, all sorts of experiences and vistas will find you.
If only he could learn to speak bogan !